(21
Reviews)
Almost just right...
By
Anonymous
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PA
August 11, 2010
I bought this pack without a specific purpose in mind, other than carting stuff around on day trips to various places, but I found I have used this much more than I expected. I have taken it on several weekend getaways (with my Beanos bag) and even a business trip to the UK (with my Air Boss) where I was in a different location every night for five nights. I agree to an extent with other reviewers that it could use a key loop and that the top not zippering could pose a problem for some, but I still give this a 5-star rating simply because it is based on an old design that they stayed true to, and it's built incredibly well. One thing I can say is that I'm 6'3" and I like my pack tight to my back, so this bag sits a little high. When I have my 15.4" laptop (that weighs a lot) it actually fits in the computer pocket, which surprised me. I like how the top of the bag expands, and the double drawstring and flap work well for me since I'm not out in the sand with it. The size is nice, I struggled over which bag to order. There have been a few times I wished I got the C-Ruck, but I will probably end up getting that too some day and use whichever one fits my stuff for that trip. I can see overloading the C-Ruck, because this bag holds a lot and can get heavy, but if I didn't have a 9-lb. computer this wouldn't be nearly as much of an issue. The padded straps make the load easy to carry though. Overall I'm very happy with this bag, as I am with all my Red Oxx products.
Another excellent bag
By
Anonymous
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Massachusetts
August 8, 2010
I just returned from a two week sojourn in France and Germany, a combination of work and vacation. That combination required that I carry both work and leisure clothes, as well as a laptop and various files. Inspired by onebag.com and my commitment to ultralight backpacking, I took along only two bags: the Mini Rucksack and the Gator Carry On bag. Amazingly, everything fit, and I sauntered from airport to train station to Paris Metro to hotel, and never once felt burdened. These bags are designed and built exquisitely, they are comfortable to carry, and they expand to accomodate items of all shape and size. With a little discipline and a willingness to wash a few garments every few days, the Mini Ruck can carry your gear for almost any trip.
Think outside the "Oxx"
By
Anonymous
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Nomadic
March 1, 2010
Well thought out, The only change I would make ia a little loop of fabric Identical to the ones at the zipper track ends so I can loop my Red Oxx dog tag through it to hold keys on the inside of one of the pockets.
The scree collar is not truly dust proof, but for me, OK.I just put a bandanna overit and tighten the duffle over it. a previous commenter noted the flap might make the bag look bigger than it is, but to get around that, so it fits under the seat, is to take whatever out of the front pocket, put it inside the main bag, and strap the flap to the buckle underneath the bag. it wraps it tight. Then you have a package that looks and is, neat. Tuck excess straps, and/or cut them to the length you prefer. Heat seal the ends. Just be careful, you cannot add length easily! THANK YOU Red Oxx for not putting sternum straps or a waist belt on your rucks or other products, they can be bought after market, and are really not necessary for primary baggage.
My Nomad Shave kit holds a safety/first aid/ survival/ toiletry kit, and slides well into the bottom of the Mini Ruck, which gives it a good frame that will sit the bag upright. I could go on and on about this bag.
Needs work
By
Anonymous
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Northern NJ
February 22, 2010
I just got finished putting the Mini-ruck through its paces on a two week jaunt through Costa Rica. It was used in every type of situation I am ever likely to encounter:
- Airline carry-on
- Day pack for the beach
- Hiking through jungle and rainforest
- Bouncing around dusty trails on an ATV
- Out on a boat with less-than-hospitable beach landings
First, the good:
The size and shape are perfect. Not too big. Not too small. The exterior compartments are ideal - any more would make it difficult to remember where my stuff is. Compartment sizes were perfect and addressed every situation I encountered. The long side pockets were great when I zipped off my pant legs and stuffed 'em in there. The bottom straps were perfect for carrying rolled up wet towels after a day at the beach without getting the inside compartment wet. Balance was good and comfortable. I also like the way the main compartment expands - perfect for carrying an extra rain jacket. The laptop pocket easily handled my netbook.
Now the shortcomings:
1) The drawstring and flap on the main compartment is not sufficient. It does not close the main compartment, making it easily susceptible to dust and small critters. It also isn't as secure as a zipper. The main compartment needs a zipper.
2) The flap over the main compartment is a nuisance. Its too long to close tightly unless the pack is overstuffed. So it always sort of flops around. It also gives the *appearance* of being larger than it really is. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue. But it raised the concern of the pilot on the small plane, and I had to convince him that the pack was really smaller than it looked so he would allow me to carry it on board without having to check it as an oversized piece.
3) It needs an internal loop inside one of the exterior pockets to clip keys.
4) The laptop flap needs a snap in the middle to hold it against the side and keep it from puffing out into the main compartment.
5) A useful addition would be a strap similar to the one on the tri-fold shave kit allowing it to be strapped to a tree limb to keep it out of the sand (which easily enters the bag because the main compartment doesn't secure well at all.)
Overall, its not a bad pack, but the inability to really close the main compartment is a major flaw.
Great pack! Just a couple shortfalls...
By
Anonymous
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Rochester, NY
February 4, 2010
After looking for a great bag that's made in the USA, I think I found it in the Roadster. While I haven't owned it for long, here are my impressions of the product so far. If I have more, I'll be sure to update.
First, this is a seriously solid bag, made from heavy material and serious hardware. I doubt that longevity will be an issue. If it is - LIFETIME WARRANTY! I LOVE that the inside is bright red so that you can easily see everything in the bag. I had my doubts about the shoulder straps when I first got it, but now I think they're just right and help center the weight of the pack on your back. I have really gotten used to having a chest strap as well, though, and I think that would be a worthwhile addition to this pack. The main compartment is cavernous and fits a dopp kit and a few days worth of clothes quite easily. I haven't tried it with a laptop yet. The side pockets are equally as cavernous, with lots of space for things to which you want easy access. The bag also sits upright on its own much more naturally than other packs I have, even when loaded down; it's very well balanced. While I bought this bag with full disclosure that it did not have this, I find myself now really wishing it had a key hook in one of the side or front pockets so that I don't have to hunt to the bottom of them for my keys.
When I first bought this pack, I intended for it to replace my daily carry backpack which I use to bring paperwork, sometimes a laptop, a daily organizer, my lunch, my iPod, as well as lots of small accessories back and forth to work. I'm reconsidering that at the moment because of two things this bag lacks: the chest strap and a hook inside one of the pockets for keys. When the weather's cooperating, I walk 2.5 miles each way to work, and my current bag has both of these things which I think are essential to me for this kind of daily packing.
Overall this is a great bag. I can see myself traveling with it, taking it on camping trips, holidays, etc. I'll also be recommending it to anyone who wants something similar, and argue that you most definitely get what you pay for, and support products made in the USA. I've also got my sights set on an Air Boss or Sky Train when my current piece of luggage wears out. Keep up the great work guys!
Excellent Product, Bigger than Expected
By
Anonymous
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California
December 10, 2009
I used this bag when I went to London for a few days in October. It was small and compact, yet it held a lot more than I thought it would. I did need an extra bag to carry home the goodies I got. I had to carry it most of the last day in London and I liked the size because I didn't look like someone traveling just someone with backpack. The only problem is the straps. I'm pretty short so I had to adjust the straps and had a lot of the strap leftover. It snagged onto the screening machine in Heathrow and was tangled. Luckily the nice security screener was able to untangle it. I was prepared to cut it if they couldn't get it off.
My other problem was the price. It was so expensive, but I'm sure it will last forever, so it just might be worth it.
Ruck Survives the Desert
By
Anonymous
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Bozeman, Montana
October 29, 2009
Now that I've had my Mini Ruck for a couple years now I figured it was time for an update. See my first review dated 8-8-07. First of all this pack has been to the desert twice now when I went to the Burning Man Festival outside Reno. In 08 it was more sheltered from the toxic playa dust but this year it took a beating. I'd like to make note that if there's anything playa dust will destroy faster than yourself, it's zippers. My tent zipper went kaput in 1 day, my shorts zippers frigged out in 3 days. The zippers on my mini rucksack worked all week, despite a daily dusting since I couldn't close up my tent. I love I can store a variety of things in the outer pockets and access them so quickly. So they got used quite a bit. When your hands start to shred or are coated with dust, it's nice to be able to grab onto that monkey fist and yank open or close the zipper.
Anyway, I survived BM and though the ruck sack was dusted out, I blasted it with an air compressor inside and out and then dunked it in my tub, brushed off what I could get outta the corners, rinsed and hung it up to dry in the sun. You could say, the Rucksack handled the trying desert conditions better than I!
Here's another great feature about this backpack I like. It can: fit 2 growlers in the main compartment and 2 bottles of wine or spirits in the side pockets. A toast to Red Oxx!
sort of a letdown
By
Anonymous
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Rio de Janeiro
October 27, 2009
Let me start out by saying that I am a Red Oxx groupie. I started out with the Airboss and then moved to the Sky Train. The Sky Train is indispensable, and like many Red Oxx customers, I will be writing the Sky Train into my will if not taking it with me to the afterlife. I have a handfull of Red Oxx accessories as well.
I needed a smaller bag to go along with the Sky Train on flights and also for daily use. Something to carry my laptop in, maybe running shoes, passports, etc. I wanted a comfy backpack with the quality and looks that only Red Oxx can provide.
Well, the quality is definitely there. No question. The look is there, too. the Safari color scheme is awesome. But the comfort is not and the functionality doesn't work for me. The main compartment is a little narrow. Obviously from the reviews this is what people are looking for. I just feel that it could be slightly wider, maybe at the expense of the long side pockets. These pockets don't work for me anyways, they are too deep and small, so that when the main compartment is full you can't really get into them without a struggle.
Also the straps that connect the shoulder pads to the base of the pack are too close together so that they sort of rub into my kidneys when I wear the pack. I am not a big guy (6', 180lbs, 32 inch waist) so this is weird.
Shoulder straps were not all that comfortable when comparing them to a recent Patagonia backpack (sorry, don't know the model - they got it at an Apple store) that a family member purchased for his laptop and schoolbooks. The Patagonia was ergonomically better designed for comfort of the shoulders and back. That Patagonia was less than $100, so that is something to consider. (Of course I would bet my life that the construction quality of the Red Oxx is twice as good. And those big zippers are so amazing). If you are looking for a laptop backpack, you might consider the Patagonia lines for comfort, room, and price.
Overall, if I were asking for the perfect pack, I would want the same overall size as the Mini-ruck (C-Ruck seems too big to accompany Sky Train on to a plane), except removing the side pockets and widening the main compartment. Also, the shoulder straps need a closer look. Adding one of those European handles like the Sky Train has would be awesome.
I wouldn't have been so critical of this, but I really like Red Oxx, and I want them to be aware of dissenting opinions so that if they find the opinions of merit, they can make their products better and better.
~ Gabe - Thanks for the feedback. We appreciate your honesty and will make note of your observations during our product development meetings. - Howard, Minister of Information
Mini Ruck to Africa and Back...
By
M. Cromwell
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New Hampshire
May 29, 2009
I ordered a Mini-Ruck before my trip to Africa. It worked great. I loaded it with all of my valuable gear for the trip over and back and everyday while I was there. It carried everything needed for a day in the thorn laced countryside of central Namibia. I also trusted the PR6 Beano for my checked bag to carry all my other gear for the hunt. Thanks for the great products and services.Sincerely,Mark CromwellNECG LtdSchmidt & Bender, Inc. USA
Simply Perfect
By
Brian
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Michgian
March 2, 2009
I ordered this bag to be used as my "personal item" on a recent family trip. I loaded it with a MacBook (in a neoprene sleeve), jacket, change of clothes, electronics, two books, and other stuff. It holds an amazing amount and still fits under the airplane seat. I love the pockets and straps, which make getting to stuff super easy.Once at the destination, I used it as a daypack for excursions. This bag looks great and is incredibly durable.I've read a couple of reviews where users noted that the bottom straps (for attaching an item to the bottom of the bag) could get in the way on air planes, etc. After receiving the bag, I just attached a couple of "Web Dominators" from ITW to neatly and cleanly secure the excess strap to the bag. I highly recommend this solution.Thanks for a great looking, perfectly functional, indestructible rucksack. I'll be putting this bag in my will; it will certainly outlast me! (All of my other day packs -- some of which were quite pricey -- are going to new homes.) Regards,Brian
Almost perfect
By
Katherine
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Maryland
February 27, 2009
I finally got a chance to use my mini-ruck on a trip from DC to LA. I had hoped to pair it with the Sky Train, but I have a bad back, and although I love my Sky Train it was too heavy for me once packed with all my gear. I also had to take my computer on this trip, and the mini-ruck sleeve is too small for my 15" MacBook Pro. It is, however, perfect for magazines and files and other paperwork. So I had to compromise and use a small roller bag for most of my clothes and computer gear, packed the mini-ruck with more clothes and lots of other gear and girly "products," dropped my purse into it, and carried both onto the plane. The mini-ruck is really a beautifully thought out pack and one that will go with me now on every trip.
Detailed Review
By
David A.
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Ann Arbor, MI
January 17, 2009
This bag is another home run for Red Oxx. A few months ago, I started using the Mini Ruck along with the Air Boss as the standard carry on + personal item airline formula. I travel a lot, and I love that there are so many outer compartments in which to put things like sunglasses, umbrella, reading material, and all those other things you just really like easily accessible when you travel. On a recent trip to San Francisco, I had my umbrella (I recommend the Tumi Mini Autoclose) out of the side pocket and open in seconds, while my friends got soaked digging around in their bags. The bag is of course tremendously indestructible feeling, in typical Oxx Fashion. The only weakness for me personally is the laptop compartment. Whether I use this as a day pack or a carry-on, my laptop comes with me. The sleeve is kind of small, barely stretching to provide a tight fit for a 15" computer. It's also only a thin piece of cordura- there is no padding in the actual sleeve to protect your computer from all the other stuff in your bag. So there are two simple fixes- put a tiny bit of padding in the actual sleeve part, or just make the sleeve larger so as to fit a computer with a neoprene padded cover. Also, the straps are padded with a velour-type material that is EXTREMELY comfortable; however, it doesn't provide the slip-resistance of The Claw if you choose to wear the Mini Ruck only on one shoulder. Like some others have said, this will be the last backpack I ever buy- quality you can feel and that others just can't help from noticing and commenting on.
Mini Ruck Meets Bag Junkie
By
Lisa
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Venice CA
October 30, 2008
I really love well-made travel bags and am always looking for the perfect bag (I have a small collection of Filson that I adore). I got the Mini Ruck because I live in a neighborhood where I can walk to just about anything I need, and I much prefer walking over driving. But coming back blocks or even miles with a heavy load of groceries/library books/whatever wasn't much fun. The Mini is a really nice bag to carry, comfortable, insanely sturdy and good-looking to boot. It makes a great weekend bag and can fit a backpack, a hardback and a change of clothes. I can't wait to take it on a trip (I travel to Asia a lot) - it looks like the perfect size for an all-day expedition.Now I'm trying to figure out if it would combine well with a Skytrain or if juggling two sets of backpack straps would be too awkward.And that C-Ruck tempts me too...
Excellent pack!
By
David Eichler
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Lawrence, KS
June 25, 2008
This pack, while expensive, is the last backpack of its size I'll need to buy. Having purchased several other packs over the last few decades, it would have been a better investment to initially get a Red Oxx. I recently got this pack, as I was needing a pack to supply a day's worth of snacks, drinks, diapers, change of clothes (for two young children), and toys to our family as we spent time on vacation hiking in upstate New York. This bag is the perfect size, held everything we needed, and was always amazingly comfortable. The only addition I wish it had was a sternum strap. Aside from that, it has served me and my family perfectly. As mentioned in other reviews, it is built with such attention to detail and with such high-quality materials I seriously doubt I'll ever need it serviced. Next month we get to try it in the Rockies.
Great size
By
MM
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Washington, DC
June 13, 2008
I think this is an ideally-sized pack. I was worried this bag would be either too big or too small, but it's just right. I'm not a big person (about 5'11" 150-160 lbs. but in good shape), so I didn't want a huge pack that would befit a lumberjack. Alternatively, something too small designed for people who can't carry much would be useless as well. You can fit a solid amount in there and, if you're smart about it, it's not that heavy thanks to the well designed (and very comfortable) straps.It's large enough to use as a travel pack (use it myself for international travel and as a carry-on), but small enough so you can put a couple things inside it and use it as a day pack.My only downside is the price - $225 is a lot for a backpack, which had me debating between 4 and 5 stars. I went with 5 because even though the price is steep, you'd be hard pressed to find a bag so well made anywhere, and the warranty backs it up. It's definitely an investment.
The collection starts here!
By
wiblick, Aoife O Connor
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Dublin, Ireland
February 6, 2008
I wanted the C-ruck, but made myself buy the smaller mini as I am only 5ft 2 and was replacing a lowe alpine megabyte which are no longer manufactured. Glad I did, spacious and capacious describe the mini! It is perhaps a little large for my every day use (good excuse to buy the Rock Hopper!). I do like a big bag and usually use my every day bag for everything from hauling the messages (groceries) to bringing all my college books in and out of work. The olive green is a fabulous colour (I'm trying to wean myself off black bags). My BF put the bag through it's paces when I got it home, pulling and tugging at straps and zips and was very impressed. I kept saying "but it's my bag"... but he says he's the one who'll end up carrying it when it's heavy... Love it, love the sturdiness of it and the 'weight' when empty. The straps are really comfortable. Other people need badges that say "my other bag is a redoxx"
Serious Hardware
By
JM
-
Los Angeles
February 2, 2008
I spent over a month trying to find a replacement for my 15-year old black leather rucksack, which was falling apart. Couldn't find anything close. Everything looked cheap or like it was from the 18th century. So that was my choice... Go with a cheap/ugly leather rucksack or this one, which isn't leather but features some serious hardware. Kind of an apples and oranges decision. This one is a bit larger than I would like (I may also buy the Rock Hopper) but there is nothing that comes close to it in terms of build quality. It's the epitome of construction for the style of rucksack it is. One more thing- make sure you check out the dimensions. I originally ordered the C-Ruck and was surprised at how huge it was. It seems like most people would prefer the size of the Mini. It's roughly the same size as a large student backpack. Perfect size for a day hike in Yosemite.
Now all I need is a BMW Mini!
By
Anonymous
-
October 11, 2007
I waited a long time to buy this Ruck because $225.00 seemed like a lot to shell out for a backpack of all things. I read every review online that was available to read; I went thru all the adventure journals (and quite apart from the review value, the journals are great travel stories); and I emailed Amanda several times. I am a small made person and was really hesitant because most packs don't fit me right. Anyway, I finally got it and it is awesome! It fits really well, and the shoulder straps hang well. I like the fact that the bag has nothing in it that is not there for a reason or a purpose--every stitch is thought out; every pocket measured. I am really glad I got the MINI cos even that holds a ton--in fact, far more than even the website leads you to believe! It holds more than the Mountainsmith Bugaboo, which is much larger. The outside pockets are fab! Great product; and fab customer service.Shiva
Ruck Sack Roughs It
By
Howard Gray
-
August 9, 2007
I've had so many backpacks I can't even count them all. Zippers rip or jam, shoulder straps fall off, interior pockets rip holes. That was then, this is now. The Roadster Mini Ruck is the toughest back pack I've ever encountered. The first time I used it I was stranded in Billings, Montana after visiting the Red Oxx Store when my car broke down on the way home to Bozeman. I had to huff it around town with all my stuff in it. It kept my juice cool and my belongings secure. I LOVE the huge zippers, the "monkey's fist" and the shoulder straps are surprisingly comfortable. I recommend Red Oxx gear to anyone who likes or has, to travel. Even if it's just across town. Worth every penny, and then some. I'm saving for their other cool stuff like a cell phone holster, rifle case, Gator bag. Maybe when I'm ready for longer journeys, an Air Boss or Beano.
This makes my travel package perfect
By
Richard Hahn
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December 13, 2006
I ran into a problem on one flight with my C-Ruck and Air Boss. A zealous agent informed me that I'd have to check one or the other. My reply can't be printed but I've solved the problem. The Mini Ruck is, just as the ad states, the C-Ruck trimmed down. The Air Boss still fits perfectly in the overhead (I don't cram it full like the thousands of passengers who try to stuff those overpacked wheelie bags) even though I've had to shift it to accomodate those who can't comply with the regs. The Mini Ruck fits very comfortably under the seat in front of me even with my MacBook and Camcorder inside. As with all the Red Oxx products I own, the construction is perfect. I can't imagine how anything could be more durable and made with stronger and better materials. Oh, I forgot, it was made by Riggers. "All The Way," applies to everything made by Jim and his company.